Breath Sample Collection Media With On-Board Elution for Viral Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic tests for viral detection in airways face challenges with sensitivity, contamination, and resource bottlenecks, particularly with nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva samples, requiring improved sample collection and analysis systems for accurate and reliable results.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained sample collection and analysis system that includes a housing with a porous sample collection media and a liquid reservoir, allowing for the capture and elution of samples using exhalation airflow, followed by a rapid antigen testing assay to determine the presence of viruses or pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nasopharyngeal swabs are used for viral detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but collection complexity and resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample collection function from complex medical procedures and implements it through a simple exhalation-based device. The porous media captures viral particles from breath samples, eliminating the need for invasive nasopharyngeal swabs while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-collection through passive breath sampling. Users simply exhale into the device, and the porous media automatically captures the sample without requiring trained medical personnel or complex collection procedures.
2Ease of operation
If saliva samples are used for viral detection, then collection simplicity is improved, but contamination and interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces porous collection media as an intermediary between the breath sample and the detection assay. This media selectively captures viral particles while filtering out contaminants and interference substances present in saliva and respiratory secretions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs porous collection media that allows breath air to pass through while trapping viral particles on its surface. The porous structure provides high surface area for viral capture while maintaining flow characteristics that prevent contamination.
3Reliability
If traditional swab-based tests are used, then viral detection capability is maintained, but human error and variability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical swabbing procedures with an automated porous media capture system. The breath sample is passively drawn through the porous media by pressure differential, eliminating human error in sample collection and improving test reliability.
4Measurement precision
If purification steps are added to sample processing, then test accuracy is improved, but procedure complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The porous collection media performs preliminary purification during the sampling process itself. By capturing viral particles on the porous surface before the sample reaches the assay, the system pre-concentrates and pre-purifies the sample, eliminating the need for separate purification steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a simple, reliable, and accurate method for viral detection, reducing contamination and human error, while being suitable for self-collection and disposal, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional swab-based tests.
Implementation Method 1
A porous sample collection media is disposed within the housing and along an airflow path defined by the housing. The porous sample collection media is constructed to capture viruses, pathogens, or other analytes from exhalation airflow passing through the porous sample collection media.
Implementation Method 2
A liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the porous sample collection media is constructed to direct liquid onto the porous sample collection media. The liquid reservoir may be immediately adjacent to the air inlet or may be distanced from the air inlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample collection system includes a housing comprising an air inlet constructed to receive an exhalation airflow; a porous sample collection media disposed within the housing; an airflow path extending from the air inlet through the porous sample collection media; a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the porous sample collection media, constructed to direct liquid onto the porous sample collection media, the liquid reservoir including: a volume housing the liquid; an opening; and a removable tab sealing the opening; and an assay constructed to receive an eluted sample from the porous sample collection media. A method of collecting and testing a sample includes flowing exhalation air through the porous sample collection media to form a captured sample; releasing a metered dose of liquid onto the porous sample collection media to elute the sample onto the assay; and observing a test result on the assay.